I find it interesting that the CAA RIA quoted the 1999 Tornado/Cessna midair as their example of what Mode S could avoid (4 deaths @ £1.4 million each) - plus the cost of a new Tornado of course.
Is this actually a valid example?
The Cessna is said to have had a transponder, but it was switched off.
The collision occurred at 650 feet AGL in open airspace. IF the Cessna had been fitted with Mode S, would an FIS controller have been able to see it (by radar) at that level? Would an FIS controller have had time to warn the Cessna pilot of an impending collision?
Would the FIS controller have been able to see and contact the Tornado?
The Tornado did not have TACAS and as far as I understand, the RAF are not about to fit it.
The accident investigation report made six recommendations as to how the accident could have been avoided. The sixth (and last) recommendation covered improved technology (strobe recognition and Mod S).
So at that time the CAA were not hanging their hat on Mode S as the wonder cure. Now it seems they are.
Views please?